Torso arch support for body board users

ABSTRACT

A garment worn by the user encircles his torso and includes a combined abdomen and chest cushion arrangement which supports the torso during a riding or paddling procedure. The pad includes layers of resilient cushion material as part of the garment. The cushion material is arranged in a series of different thickness pads or layers so as to compensate for the wedge-like angle between the surface of the board and the user&#39;s chest. In one form, the pads or bladders are arranged in three rows and two columns and are of a different thickness, commencing with the lower part of the user&#39;s rib cage and extending to the waist. The length of each of the pads or bladders is of a different dimension so as to accommodate for the decrease in space between the rib cage and the waist with respect to the surface of the board.

Priority claimed on Ser. No. 60/557,917 filed Apr. 1, 2004 PENDING andSer. No. 60/526,287 filed Dec. 3, 2003 PENDING, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of orthopaedic supports, andmore particularly to a novel torso or arch support that improves theendurance and paddling performance of board riders including surfers,paddle boarders, and boogie boarders.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

In the field of ocean sports, many people use a variety of boards onwhich to ride waves or surf along a beach front. In using such boards,it is the customary practice for the user to lie prone on his stomachalong the upper surface of the board. In order to travel through thewater, the user employs his arms in a paddling manner which causes hisupper torso to rise above the surface of the board so that the torso issolely supported by the skeletal frame along the back. This causes astrain or fatiguing of the lumbar region due to the arch of the backwhich must be sustained for a relatively long period of time. Thus, suchboard riders suffer from chronic back pain, muscle tension, posturalimbalance and other nagging problems.

Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a torso or archsupport which will relax the lumbar muscles, increase nerve flow andrelieve discomfort in the lower back. Such a support should increasecirculation and relieve compression of skeletal disks and nerves. Thedevice should support the abdomen and the pelvis regions of the torso.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by thepresent invention which provides a garment to be worn by the board userwhich encircles his torso and includes a combined abdomen and chest padarrangement which supports the torso on the surface of the board duringa riding or paddling procedure. The pad includes layers of resilientfoam cushion material, such as a gel, fiber, or inflatable bladderswhich are a part of the garment. The cushion material is critical insupporting the torso or body of the user so that injury and strain inthe back, neck and shoulder areas are avoided. The cushion material padsor bladders may take the form of a single pad or be arranged in a seriesof different thicknesses so as to compensate for the wedge-like anglebetween the surface of the board and the user's chest when raised duringa paddling procedure. In one form of the invention, the pads or bladdersare arranged in three rows and two columns. Each pad or bladder is of adifferent thickness, commencing with the lower part of the user's ribcage and extending to the waist. Also, the length of each of the pads orbladders is of a different dimension so as to accommodate for thedecrease in space between the rib cage and the waist with respect to thesurface of the board. In other words, the cushion material occupies thevoid between the user's chest and abdominal area and the surface of theboard.

Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention toprovide a torso and arch support for board riders which improves theendurance and paddling performance of water sport users, such assurfers, paddle boarders and boogie boarders.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novelorthopaedic support for board riders which lends support to the user'storso where most needed, such as at the lower back where vertebrae aremost sensitive to damage.

Another object of the present invention resides in providing an archsupport for board riders which relieves tension on the lower back, upperback, shoulders and neck, by providing at least two and one-half inchesof soft supportive cushion material.

Still another object relates to an orthopaedic support for the back tobe worn by board riders which protects shoulders, back and neck fromtrauma and chronic muscular issues caused by unsupported paddling andarching during the sports activity.

A further object pertains to a torso and arch support which acts as ahighly efficient paddle assistance device.

Still a further object resides in providing an arch support whichincreases the athlete's average endurance of a sport-session andimproves in-session stamina by conserving energy.

A further object resides in providing an arch support which allows for awide-range of unobstructed movement by the user through its flexible andlight-weight design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. The presentinvention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, togetherwith further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood withreference to the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of an environmental usage of the torsosupport incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the torso support employed as agarment worn by a user incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view, similar to the view of FIG. 2, illustrating the torsosupport as a vest with a pouch for insertably receiving a torso supportof cushion material;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the vest and cushionmaterial illustrated in FIG. 3 as taken in the direction of arrows 4-4thereof;

FIG. 5 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the garment and cushionmaterial as taken in the direction of arrows 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of theinvention taking the form of a mid-body belt incorporating the supportcushion material in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the pad of cushion material ashaving inflatable bladders coupled with a pressurized air source such asa compressor or air cylinder.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of another embodiment illustrating asingle inflatable bladder or bag for supporting the rib cage and uppertorso of a surfer; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged prospective views of the inflatable bladderor bag as shown in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, the novel torso support is indicated in the generaldirection of arrow 10 which is worn by a surfer 11 lying prone on aboard 12 while engaging in a water sport. The board 12 may be asurfboard which includes a forward portion 13 that is elevated out ofthe water surface and the user 11 is propelling himself and the board bymeans of arm paddles or hands and foot kicks. A stabilizing fin 14downwardly depends from the rear of the board 12 and the user's arms aredeployed in a “windmill” manner to propel the board and himself acrossthe surface of water 15. During this paddling procedure, the user'schest and abdomen are raised from the board and the user's torso needssupport.

Referring now in detail to FIG. 2, the torso support of the presentinvention comprises a garment, broadly indicated by numeral 16 which mayor may not include sleeves, but in any event includes a body portion 17of light-weight flexible material that carries a transverse reinforcedarea 18 that is preferably composed of a nylon mesh. Attached andcarried by the nylon mesh 18 is a support panel 20 on which a pluralityof cushion pads are secured. The pads are arranged in rows and columnswhereby pads 21, 22 and 23 are arranged in one column while pads 24, 25,and 26 are arranged in an adjacent column. It is also to be noted thatpads 21 and 24 are in a top row, while an intermediate row is defined bypads 22 and 25 respectively. Also, pads 23 and 26 are in a lower rowwhich is substantially close to the abdomen and waist of the user whilethe upper row comprising pads 21 and 24 are immediately adjacent to thelower rib cage of the user. Therefore, it can be seen that the entiretorso support with the pads occupy the chest and abdomen area of theuser and provides the support necessary when the user is in the proneposition, as shown in FIG. 1.

It is also to be noted that the pads are all arranged in fixed,spaced-apart relationship and that although the pads are carried onsupport panel 20, the garment including a waist portion 27 about themid-section of the user may be composed of an elastic or stretchablematerial. The support panel 20 is carried on the garment by any suitablesecurement means, which may be releasably attachable to the garment ormay be fixedly secured thereto. Each of the respective pads 21-26inclusive are raised above the surface of the support panel 20 and arereduced in size and thickness as the pads progress from the top rowthrough the intermediate row into the bottom row. Broadly, the pads mayemploy a cushion material such as a gel, air, foam, fiber, or otherresilient material.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 3-5 inclusive, another version ofgarment is illustrated taking the form of a vest 30 having a pouch 31fully secured to the garment 20 by any suitable means 29, such asstitching, adhesive, or the like. It is to be noted that the pouch 31includes an open top 32 into which a separate support panel 33 includingpad 34 can be inserted. The pouch 31 is partially broken away to exposean inserted padded support panel 33. The pads, such as pad 34, areidentical to the arrangement and disposition of the pads previouslyshown in FIG. 2 and as in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a single cushion pador air bladder may be used.

Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the arrangement of pads in thevarious rows and columns is substantially as described with respect tothe invention shown in FIG. 2. The uppermost or top row of pads arethicker than the intermediate pad or the pads in the lower row. Also, itis noted that the outer surface of each of these respective pads isslanted and is more narrow in thickness as the pads progress from theupper row to the lower row. Therefore, the thickness of the pad occupiesthe narrowing space between the user's body and the surface of theboard, as shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the pads in the rows are also curvilinearin transverse cross section so as to reasonably match the contour of theuser's body. Also, if desired, the pair of pads forming the upper rowmay be coupled together by a reduced thickness central portion 35 or thepads may be completely separate from one another.

Referring in detail to FIG. 6 another version of the invention isillustrated in the general direction of arrow 40 which is illustrated asa band 41 fitted about the mid-section of the user which can be composedof an elastic material or may include a releasable fastener so that thegarment can be worn or taken off at ease. It is important to note thatthe front of the band 41 includes a support panel 42 for mounting aplurality of pads such as previously described with respect to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The support panel 42 mounts pads 43,44, and 45 in a column while pads 46, 47 and 48 reside in an adjacentcolumn. The waistband 41 and the support panel and pads form a singleunitary construction and can be worn against the skin or over a wetsuitor the like.

With respect to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the invention isillustrated in the general direction of arrow 50 which comprises asupport panel 51 for supporting a plurality of bladders, such asbladders 52, 53 and 54 respectively. The bladders are carried on thesupport 51 as well as an inlet valve connected to one end of a hose 55which is connected, in turn, to a pneumatic valve 56. The pneumaticvalve 56 is carried on a pressure air cylinder 57 which suppliespressurized air to the bladder. Low pressure air is all that is needed.However, it is to be understood that the cylinder 57 may be replaced bya compressor which will achieve the same purpose. The main idea residesin the fact that the bladders will receive regulated or low-pressure airfor inflation and the air source can be removed after inflation. A CO2cartridge may also be used or the user may exhale into a nozzle carriedon the bladder. The inflated bladders as well as the support 51 can thenbe used on a wetsuit, a vest, a shirt garment or a waistband.

In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the torso support deviceof the present invention relieves tension on the lower back, upper back,shoulders and neck of the user by providing two and one-half inches ofsoft, supportive foam or inflated bladder to the wearer. The deviceprotects shoulders, back and neck from trauma and chronic muscularissues caused by unsupported paddling and arching during the sportingactivity. The device further acts as a highly effective paddleassistance device which increases the athlete's average duration ofsports-session and further improves in-session stamina by conservingenergy. The device also allows for a wide range of un-obstructivemovement by the user through its flexibility and light-weight design.

FIGS. 8-10 show another version of the invention in the generaldirection of arrow 60. The surfer 11 is lying prone on a surf or paddleboard 61 with a single inflated bladder, bag or container 62 occupying aspace between the rib cage and partial abdominal area and the boardsurface. A single or pair of straps 63 and 64 releasably retain thebladder, bag or container on the user.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the bladder, bag or container 62 with thestraps 63 and 64 detached in preparation for wearing by the surfer 11.The bladder, bag or container is inflatable by use of an inflation tube65 with a one-way valve 66 for inflation by mouth. Other means forinflation may be used such as a CO₂ cartridge, compressor or the like.The bladder, bag or container may be a bag having its opening closed bya seam 67. Also, the inflation tube may be located on the side, front orback of the bag.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from thisinvention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appendedclaims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A torso support comprising: a support panel; the support panel beingremovably secured with a garment worn by a user; one or more pads withvarying thicknesses carried on said support panel; the support panel isconfigured to have an upper portion having a thickness that lifts andelevates a torso of a user to reduce upper and lower back exertionduring a prone position of the user; and a lower portion, having asecond thickness that is less than the thickness of the upper portion ofthe support panel.
 2. The torso support defined in claim 1, wherein:said one or more pads is selected from the group consisting of a. a gelmaterial; b. an inflatable bladder; c. a foam composition; d. a fibermaterial; and e. resilient material.
 3. The torso support defined inclaim 2 wherein: said one or more pads are arranged in a vertical columnand a horizontal row.
 4. The torso support defined in claim 3 wherein:said pads in each of said columns are of different lengths, widths, andthicknesses; and said pads in each of said rows are identical in length,width, and thickness.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The torso support defined inclaim 1, wherein said garment is selected from the group consisting of:a. a jacket; b. a vest; c. a waist band, and d. a wet-suit. 7.(canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled) 12.The combination defined in claim 1, wherein: said one or more pads areinflatable.
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. The torsosupport defined in claim 12 wherein: said one or more inflatable padsare arranged in spaced apart relationship and decreasing in size fromthe rib cage towards the upper abdomen.
 17. A torso support comprising:a support panel; one or more pads with varying thicknesses carried onthe support panel; the support panel is configured to have an upperportion having a thickness that lifts and elevates a torso of a user toreduce upper and lower back exertion during a prone position of theuser; a lower portion, having a second thickness that is less than thethickness of the upper portion of the support panel; and means securedto the support panel for wearing on the torso of the user whereby theone or more pads reside adjacent a rib cage of the user.
 18. A torsosupport comprising: a support panel; the support panel being removablysecured with a garment worn by a user; one or more pads with varyingthicknesses carried on the support panel; the support panel isconfigured to have an upper portion having a thickness that lifts andelevates a torso of a user to reduce upper and lower back exertionduring a prone position of the user; a lower portion, having a secondthickness that is less than the thickness of the upper portion of thesupport panel; the one or more pads are arranged in a vertical columnand a horizontal row; the one or more pads in each of the columns are ofdifferent lengths, widths, and thicknesses; and the one or more pads ineach of the rows are identical in length, width, and thickness.
 19. Atorso support comprising: a support panel; one or more pads with varyingthicknesses carried on the support panel; the support panel isconfigured to have an upper portion having a thickness that lifts andelevates a torso of a user to reduce upper and lower back exertionduring a prone position of the user; a lower portion, having a secondthickness that is less than the thickness of the upper portion of thesupport panel; the one or more pads are arranged in a vertical columnand a horizontal row; the one or more pads in each of the columns are ofdifferent lengths, widths, and thicknesses; the one or more pads in eachof the rows are identical in length, width, and thickness, and meanssecured to the support panel for wearing on the torso of the userwhereby the one or more pads reside adjacent a rib cage of the user. 20.The torso support defined in claim 1, wherein: the support panel isconfigured to have an upper portion having a thickness that lifts andelevates a torso of a user to reduce upper and lower back exertionduring a prone position of the user while in water.